Religious heritage

Over the centuries, the Christian faith has made its mark on Slovenian culture and had an important influence on its history. The most visible signs of Christianity in Slovenia are of course the religious buildings that can be seen at almost every turn, forming a priceless part of the cultural heritage. Numerous churches draw you into their peaceful interiors with priceless fittings. Centuries-old monasteries also attract visitors.

The many chapels also enhance Slovenia's religious heritage. In recent years more people have once again decided to walk along pilgrimage trails.

At almost every step

Thousands of churches dot the Slovenian landscape and towns, with many also standing on unpopulated hilltops. These are a Slovenian speciality that many experts link to pre-Christian cult sites and native highland refuges. Most churches are Catholic, with evangelical churches particularly in Prekmurje, and synagogues in Maribor and Lendava. Churches date from various periods. Ancient Christian basilicas, pre-Romanesque chapels, gothic, renaissance, baroque and neo-Romanesque churches, as well as outstanding examples of modern architecture, can all be found.

The most important churches in Slovenia include the Basilica of Mary Our Help in Brezje, and the three gothic churches, Tri Fare, in Rosalnice in Bela Krajina. Other important churches include the gothic church on Ptujska Gora and the Ljubljana cathedral, the church of St Nicholas. The most popular church in Slovenia for tourists is the church in Hrastovlje with a 15th-century danse macabre fresco.

Slovenian villages without a church almost certainly have chapels. Each chapel is dedicated to a particular saint. Chapels are usually located on the roadside. One of the most interesting is the Russian chapel at Vršič.

Various monastic orders

There are still more than 30 working monasteries in Slovenia, the best known of which is the Cistercian monastery at Stična, founded almost 900 years ago. Franciscan monasteries, including Nazarje, which preserves the first translation of the Bible into Slovenian, are also important. The Minorite monastery at Olimje, with its herbal pharmacy, attracts many visitors, as does the former Carthusian monastery in Žiče. The popular summer theatre Križanke was once the site of a monastery of an order of crusaders.

Pilgrim centre trails

There are several pilgrimage trails across Slovenia linking well-known pilgrimage centres. One of the best known is the Emma pilgrim trail, named after St Emma or Hemma of Gurk. The Mary and Martin pilgrim trails from Austria and Hungary are gradually being established.

There are some three thousand churches in Slovenia, scattered across villages and isolated hills. Most are Catholic and cover all significant periods and architectural styles. Interesting religious monuments include churches reinforced by enclosing walls and towers to defend against Turkish attacks. The most ...more

Slovenian monasteries are among the oldest preserved parts of religious heritage. The monastery at Stična, which has been working for almost 900 years, is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The remains of the amazing Carthusian monastery in Žiče also receive many visitors. Several monasteries are renowned ...more

In recent years, pilgrim trails have again become well known in Slovenia. The trails pass through renowned pilgrim centres such as Brezje, Ptujska Gora and Sveta Gora pri Gorici, as well as numerous beauty spots around Slovenia. One of the best-known pilgrim trails is the St Emma trail, which crosses much of the ...more

Chapels and other signs of worship are an unmistakable part of every Slovenian village. Chapels are also integral parts of some churches, and they can even be found in some secular buildings, such as major hospitals or institutions. One of the most interesting is the Russian Chapel at Vršič. ...more